Round Barns

Deep in the heart of the University's South Farms district tower the three Round Barns. Built between 1907 and 1913, the three barns anchored the 20-acre dairy demonstration farm and "offer[ed] the dairy farmer 'economy of consideration, low maintenance, and labor efficiency'". Although originally constructed as an experiment, the barns later led the way for round barns to take over Illinois. Fewer than 60 of them remain throughout the United States.

First built by the Shakers in 1824, round barns required less lumber and bracing the frame. Construction was also simplified, as no elaborate scaffolding was required for the circular arched roof. The barns also proved more resilient against to prairie storms.

The three University of Illinois barns were originally part of a larger complex known as the Experimental Dairy Barns and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

 

Fast Facts about the Round Barns
Date Built:	1907-1913
Alternative Names:	Dairy Farm Historic District
Full History:	Round Barns History
Photo Gallery:	Round Barns Photo Gallery
Wallpapers:
eCards:
On the Map:	Round Barns on the Campus Map
Quick Links:	College of Agriculural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

Selected Images of the Round Barns

Below is a selection of images of the Round Barns. These images may be viewed for personal use only and may NOT be republished in any form. To use one of these images in a U of I presentation or Web or print publication, please click on the "download" link beneath each image to download the image free of charge.     DOWNLOAD     DOWNLOAD     DOWNLOAD     DOWNLOAD     DOWNLOAD     DOWNLOAD     DOWNLOAD